The day on which British physician Ronald Ross discovered that female mosquitoes transmit malaria is observed as the World Mosquito day.
Malaria, dengue, filariasis and chikungunya -- all are spread by different varieties of mosquitoes, said District Malaria Officer A. Rambabu.
He said that some of these vector-borne diseases were rampant in the city because of the irrigation canals, Budamerru drain, storage of water by people living on hill-slopes and the huge floating population of the city. People come from all over the State come to the city because it was both a business and pilgrim centre.
Breeding ground
Water kept for more than four or five days was perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread viral fevers like dengue and chikungunya, he said and added that awareness was essential for the eradication of mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases.
The DMO said that the Government was now distributing medicines that were more effective in controlling Malaria that was of two types.
While it was necessary to take medication for 14 days for one type of malaria, the second more dangerous type of malaria could be treated by using a different medication for three days, he said. All patients who get fever should inform the Malaria Officials and get timely treatment, he said.
